Eight-year-old Midrand resident shares her motocross motto: It’s all about fun

Eight-year-old Nakita Smith may not realise that her love for motocross is breaking boundaries in the male-dominated sport. However, she believes that girls need more opportunities to take part in motorsport.

“Nakita first rode a bike at the age of three. She took to riding very quickly,” said her dad Brad.

Although Brad said he has been involved in bikes all his life, Nakita argued that getting into motorsport was her idea.

When her parents saw how much she enjoyed riding, they took her to a dirt-bike club. After seeing all the riders, she was hooked.

“We got her involved with Motor Kids, found her a coach to introduce her to professional racing,” added Brad.

Nakita is not at all worried about competing or not winning, she said it is all about fun.

“There have been times when she gets disappointed in herself but she has handled competing really well,” said her mom Simone.

“The only thing that I am worried about is her falling. We want her to ride for fun, not to worry about competing.

“It is fantastic that at her age she is riding a motorbike.”

Unfortunately, women in motorsport are not as big in South Africa.

In the regional series, Nakita is one of only two girls.

She recently participated in the Regional MX race, in the 50cc class and was the top girl who came 5th out of 19 competitors.

This coming year is going to be a big year for Nakita because she will be riding in the 65cc class. She will be preparing to compete in the nationals in the near future.

Her parents added that if Nakita takes motocross racing as a career they will be proud and hope that she will continue to break boundaries in the motorsport industry.

Taking on the international stage is the next step.